Changes

One of its greatest rulers was also its first: [[Caius Iulius Caesar Octavianus]], or [[Augustus Caesar|Augustus]] ruling from 27 BC to 14 AD.  He set the stage for a long progression of rulers that lasted 500 years and established a peace, the [[Pax Romana]] that lasted almost 200 years (although there were many wars and revolts during that time period, all out wars were avoided).  The high point of the Empire is generally considered to be under the [[Five Good Emperors]] from 96 to 180 AD.  The low point was under [[The Age of Thiry Tyrants]] from 259 to 268 where a revolving door of 19 different generals claimed the throne.     

One of its greatest rulers was also its first: [[Caius Iulius Caesar Octavianus]], or [[Augustus Caesar|Augustus]] ruling from 27 BC to 14 AD.  He set the stage for a long progression of rulers that lasted 500 years and established a peace, the [[Pax Romana]] that lasted almost 200 years (although there were many wars and revolts during that time period, all out wars were avoided).  The high point of the Empire is generally considered to be under the [[Five Good Emperors]] from 96 to 180 AD.  The low point was under [[The Age of Thiry Tyrants]] from 259 to 268 where a revolving door of 19 different generals claimed the throne.     

Rome contributed a great deal to the mythology of early Christianity.  For example, the prophecy that "a savior would come out of [[Judea]]" was popular in the Roman Empire, so popular that the biographer [[Suetonious]] saw fit to include it in his [[De Vitae Caesarium]].  However, Suetonious identified the savior as [[Vespasian]] in his "Life of Vespasian," since Vespasian did, as it was said, "save the State."

Messianic expectations at the time of [[Jesus]] were known even in Rome.  For example, the prophecy that "a savior would come out of [[Judea]]" was popular in the Roman Empire, so popular that the biographer [[Suetonious]] saw fit to include it in his [[De Vitae Caesarium]].  However, Suetonious identified the savior as [[Vespasian]] in his "Life of Vespasian," since Vespasian did, as it was said, "save the State" during the year of the [[Four Emperors Era|four emperors]].

==Beginnings==

==Beginnings==